Neymar Picks Lionel Messi for Ballon d’Or Race, Looks Forward to Playing for Luiz Felipe Scolari

After the match between his team Santos and Palmeiras, Brazilian star Neymar said he would give this year’s Golden Ball to Lionel Messi.

The Santos striker praised Messi, considering him as the best player in the world and worthy recipient of the 2012 Golden Ball.

“Andres Iniesta was great, just like Cristiano Ronaldo. But, in my opinion, Leo Messi is still number one, “said Neymar.

The Brazil international has said before in several occasions that he considers Messi the best player in the world and this time was not different.

As he has answered before when asked about his future, the 20-year old said that even though he would like to play in Europe, he was comfortable playing for Santos at the moment.

“I have a dream of playing in Europe, but I feel the time has not come. I’m happy at Santos, near my family and my friends, “he said. “Right now I’m not ready to go to Europe. I’m not afraid, but I am happy and right now I don’t have as priority to be the best. I’m happy with my performance and my happiness comes first.”

The highest valued player in America also commented on the designation of Luiz Felipe Scolari as new Brazil coach.

“With Mano [Menezes, former Brazil coach] I had an excellent work and evolution. I learned many things with him, He was an excellent coach. Now is ‘Felipao’ with a new playing style. If he wants to call me up, I will be there,” Neymar said.

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Photo via Twitter/@LeoMessi_10FCB